I have an 8 yr old 15.5 Kohler engine Craftsman ride on mower that cranks for quite a bit, then starts, backfires then dies. I have changed the sparkplug which made no difference. Any tips?

Dennis

Check the flywheel key.

check the flywheel key.
It did. It is ok. The motor has spark, compression and fuel. The fuss is 15 amp and is not broken. Any other ideas.

Clogged fuel filter, replace fuel filter and check for debris in fuel tank that may be floating over the outlet that the fuel line is connected to.